How I painted Van Gogh's Starry Night in WATERCOLOR!

Did you know that you can actually create REAL texture on a watercolor painting?
I'm trying out Schmincke AQUA modeling paste for the first time to see if it really can create a sculptural surface capable of handling watercolors.
To demonstrate these effects, I'm going to try and recreate Van Gogh's most celebrated painting "The Starry Night" using this combination of Schmincke aqua modeling paste and watercolor paint!
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Here is a full list of supplies used in this video:
📜 Circular gesso-primed Wood panel from Trekell ➡️ bit.ly/40RS9s6
🎨 Daniel Smith Watercolor Ground Titanium White ➡️ www.anrdoezrs.n...
🎨 Daniel Smith Watercolors ➡️ bit.ly/3HOMs5c
🎨 Daniel Smith Watercolors (International Shipping from Jackson's) ➡️ bit.ly/3gnr73o
📜 Schmincke Aqua Modeling Paste - Fine ➡️ www.anrdoezrs....
📜 Schmincke Aqua Modeling Paste - Fine (International Shipping from Jackson's) ➡️ www.jacksonsar...
🎨 MILISTEN Ceramic 5 Layers Stacking Round Palette Set ➡️ amzn.to/3DSCijc
🖌️ Silver Brushes Black Velvet series 3000, Round Size 8 ➡️ www.anrdoezrs.n...
🎥 Film & Editing Gear 🎞️
Canon EOS R Plus RF24-105mm F4-7.1 is STM Lens Kit ➡️ amzn.to/3pC8mR9
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM Macro Lens ➡️ amzn.to/35uGlUS
Canon EOS M50 Mirrorless Vlogging Camera Kit with EF-M 15-45mm Lens ➡️ amzn.to/3MlGdYl
Studio Lights ➡️ amzn.to/2Tz1xib
Manfrotto 055 Aluminum 3-Section Tripod ➡️ amzn.to/3sNshi8
Manfrotto 502 Video Head MVH502AH ➡️ amzn.to/35QTU0w
pangshi 11inch Adjustable Articulating Friction Magic Arm ➡️ amzn.to/3CkT73X
Shure SM7B Cardioid Dynamic Microphone ➡️ amzn.to/3tA3nBr
RODE PSA 1 Swivel Mount Studio Microphone Boom Arm ➡️ amzn.to/3vIfgbb
Cloud Microphones Cloudlifter CL-1 Mic Activator ➡️ amzn.to/3tz3rl5
Editing Software: Adobe Premiere Pro
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[@caressegarcia]

This was a lot of fun to watch. Van Gogh had a very tragic life, and in my opinion this is the painting he did that reflects it all. When you were talking about how dark everything is and how he managed to always add glints of light it made me wonder if that is also how his thoughts were at the time of painting this. It's a beautiful recreation, bravo Emily ❤

[@sueallen952]

He also had cataracts and wet macular so everything was dull to look at, I have both and colours seem duller than they are, your central vision goes in the end.

[@caressegarcia]

@@phillipstroll7385 The circumstances of his objective reality were very good, sure, but it's certainly apparent that his subjective reality (in terms of his thoughts and emotions) was deeply troubled.

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Any painting that has the power to stop us in our tracks and make us look again and wonder-it’s a success in my opinion. ❤️

[@randeefoster1876]

@@EmilyOlsonArt Absolutely! He was amazing!!!

[@mulanlovesmilo]

What a unique and interesting way to use watercolors! Starry Night is at MOMA and it’s always interesting to see how the crowds behave around it, because nearly everyone waits in a bit of a messy line to take selfies and immediately leave. I always want to hang around and study the brushstrokes, the edges, the blending, color choice, all the tiny “imperfections” that were left behind that would probably drive me mad personally. It’s a great reminder to be kind to yourself and that the feeling a painting evokes is far more important than any singular brush mark. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Yes, even after this experience of recreating the painting I know I could never create something like this out of my own imagination!

[@anitadavidson1266]

What a fabulous comment, and I couldn’t agree more! Being able to stand relatively close and truly look at this painting is a joy to behold! I often feel sad when I remember that during his lifetime, he was viewed as simply a madman who used weird colours in his paintings… True genius is so often not recognised until it is too late. ❤️

[@sherizapara2992]

Youre version of "Starry Night" is great. I DID get to see an actual painting of his in S.F. a few tears ago..it was amazing!! I cried, knowing i was standing, right where he had during the painting. It was an awesome tour of his works. I loved it!!

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Thank you for sharing such a touching experience!

[@patrickaerts2345]

1 word : WOW.

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Thank you, Patrick!

[@carolpfaff7784]

Starry night is over wonderful painting. Although I have not seen it in person, I did teach psychiatric patients how to paint it. It was a lot of fun especially when they thought that giant cypress tree was fire. I really enjoyed watching you carving in Starry Night and would like to try this as well. You are a great inspiration!

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

That’s so neat that you taught patients how to paint it! Such meaningful beautiful work. Thanks for stopping by and for the nice comment!

[@ChantelleArts]

This looks so cool! I never would’ve thought it would be possible to create paintings like this with watercolour 😊

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Thank you so much 😀

[@mindofwatercolor]

Well this was fun! I could see how much fun you were having, Emily. Nice rendition of Starry Night too. I agree that it would be fun to try this paste using watercolor's more washy and wet in wet characteristics. I like how I could see the more watery washes sink into and darken the crevices. That alone could be a cool effect. Thanks for an entertaining video and a good look at an interesting product.

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Thanks so much Steve! Yes, I agree-I’m going to need to try another painting and see if I can draw out some more fun watercolor characteristics. (You’d be awesome at that, btw!)

[@mindofwatercolor]

@@EmilyOlsonArt It's a tempting medium to try, thats for sure.

[@glenda7921]

You’re fearless. What fun. Love to see you do an animal - goat!

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

That would be cute! 🙌

[@carolbradley4845]

Hi Emily! I just joined your master class and I’m super excited about it! I did see Starry Night in NYC. IT WAS AMAZING! Such an honor. It was smaller than I expected. I was sad to learn that Van Gogh really didn’t like starry night! But I love it! And I love your rendition as well. I didn’t know about this product that would include texture. I might have to try this! Thank you! Love from Texas ❤!

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Aw thanks, Carol and WELCOME!

[@hannahcrumley3103]

I Had no idea that Schmincke Augusta modeling paste even existed! Oh the possibilities! I love how your Stary Night turned out!

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Thanks, Hannah!

[@sandytorento5048]

Hi Emily, that was Awesome! Thank you for showing us.

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

You are so welcome!

[@NanaBeth1]

WOW! This had me glued to you tube. I love how it turned out. The perfect subject for this technique. I'd have to feel it if I saw it on a wall.

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

I’m so glad you liked the video! Thanks for watching!

[@mjpete27]

Very interesting Emily, I believe Liz Chaderton has a homemade recipe for watercolor ground that uses Modeling paste + Clear gesso and if you wanted to add a bit more paste you could make more of this kind of surface without the added step of prepping the surface with the ground! I think using watercolors first for washing the colors into the texture and adding if you needed more surface texture color. Glad your still trying new techniques! I have not seen this painting in person, but I did see one of his sunflowers painting and it is truly luminous and so beautiful!

[@Blick_Art]

Wow, that was amazing! The manufacturer's product information lists this as an "acrylate dispersion" so the formula appears to be similar to an acrylic modeling paste, but obviously it accepted watercolors really well, which standard modeling paste often will not. We think it was a good idea to use the rigid panel for this, because although many modeling pastes work just fine on paper or canvas, thick, continuous impasto works best when the support doesn't flex. We're so glad we got to see this product in action- thanks!

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

I agree about needing a rigid surface. This could verily easily crack on a flexible paper. Glad you liked the video!

[@cindyp.9030]

Wow, that was a lot of work. I would never attempt anything so complicated myself. I have to say you did an amazing job on this painting. I don't think there is anything that you can't paint.

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Thank you, Cindy!

[@carolatchley3797]

Earlier today I watched your interview with Steve Mitchell (Mind of Watercolor) and I enjoyed getting to know a little about you. So I came here and decided the first video I would watch is this one with the modeling paste. Oh my, I'm so glad I did. You did a fabulous job, and you now have another new subscriber!

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Aw thank you for checking out my channel! I appreciate your kind comment!

[@BrazenSpirituality]

I am soo impressed by this result. And I love how you name the colors you see in the original and show how you mix and layer the colors. Thank you!

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

It was fun!

[@Saahrish]

I have always wondered how to use this medium. It was so much fun to watch you paint that beautiful painting. I’m sure it’ll be a lot of fun to play with it too!

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Thank you so much!

[@enasasker1514]

Wow it's amazing 😍 You do everything with water color easy and beautiful painting

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@rainbowfox1934]

What a delightful project! It looks great!

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

It was fun!

[@anitadavidson1266]

This was a superb video, and that paste is a simply a tub of magic!! You did an incredible job and I hope to see it hang on the wall behind you, or hope that you display it elsewhere within your home, as a reminder of just how far it is possible to push watercolour. I have actually seen this painting in person, and I should say that it is an astounding piece of art, that is hard to show, even with high resolution photography, which is why I feel you did such a terrific job. I am in awe of you… ❤️🎨🖌👩🏻‍🎨👏🏻🙌🏻

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Thank you so much, Anita. Such a generous comment! ❤️

[@lindahess8295]

That is amazing! I love your videos and your Watercolor Mastery. I have learned so much from you. Thank you!

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

I'm so glad!

[@ChristinaTodd1970]

How fun!

[@LaurenJeanArt]

How fun! I love when you try out these products and show what can be done! Great work!

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jillellen2631]

Remarkable!

[@debbyshehane9955]

Thank you for showing us this! I want to try this!

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Please do give it a whirl! 🙌❤️

[@fuzzydragons]

havent seen any of his painting in person, hopefully one day 🙂 the paste worked great for adding texture🙂and your painting looks lovely

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Thank you so much 😀

[@kathyvangogh4034]

Nicely done. I do think it would be interesting to see it done in a more “watercoloury” style. You have inspired me. I might tint the modelling paste the colour of the burlap he often used as canvas. Then let that come through.

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Great idea!

[@starr-starr]

Well that looked like fun, and I’m amazed by how well it turned out!

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Thank you!

[@ErinEnoArt]

I would love to see a video like you said, with bleeds and blends!!

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Noted! Will do!

[@sherylchapman4168]

Hello Emily-I have never seen the “Starry Night” painting. I have seen VanGogh’s Irises. The interesting part is that photography does not capture the vivid blues and purples adequately. It is a beautiful painting!

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Yes! There’s nothing quite like seeing the painting in real life!

[@Melusinart]

Very interesting! Looks amazing!👏

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Thank you!

[@barbarag7831]

Loved this, but would also love seeing you do another project more in the style you usually paint with watercolors.

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

That’s the plan! 🙌❤️

[@jayboehm3382]

Fantastic work! I've been lucky enough to see Van Gogh originals at the Musée d'Orsay. Starry Night is not there, but his Starry Night over the Rhone is, and in it he used a similar technique for his stars. Maybe you'll get a travelling exhibit in your nearest city!

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Ooh that’s great! I hope to see it at some point.

[@ArtistRebeccaLS]

Wow Emily! That turned out wonderfully 😍

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Thank you!

[@susanaavagnina9259]

Love it❤❤

[@christinebravomom5711]

Fantastic review of this product.

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Thanks so much!

[@prexytheartist]

That looks amazing! I'm excited to see how you'd use the modeling paste for other projects, maybe different types of clouds with different textures would look cool. 💕

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Great idea!

[@michellenwhiteartist]

amazing painting, that really worked great! 🤩

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Thank you so much 😀

[@michelleannette7994]

This was fantastic Emily. I didn't know anything like this even existed. This painting was simply amazing. Would you do another for us with this? I can picture rocks in a waterfall painting would be so cool. Does this affect the lightfast quality of the paint, or longevity of the painting?

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Great suggestion! Would love to try that

[@Bluegreen7Pau]

Hello Emily, thanks for your great tutorials and introduction to materials. I would like to see a video for using masking fluid. I've seen great effects created with it and I find it really difficult to apply! It would be great if you could give us some advice and techniques for applying it. Thank you again!

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Great suggestion!

[@PaulDrawsArt-c4o]

I love this❤

[@debbiealeman6614]

This turned out beautifully and was so fun to watch you paint! I’d love to try this paste to create animal texture, like a fox or grizzly bear! The comment Blick Art Materials made about it most likely working best on a stiffer surface was interesting. Maybe I’ll try a fox on aqua board… 🤔 I might just need to go shopping! 🎨

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Yay! 🙌

[@harpersmythe658]

That was very interesting, thank you for doing this video. I may try the texture paste myself at some point 🎨🖌️

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Go for it!

[@pattiartiste]

I love it!!! There's actually a beautiful song called "Vincent" by Don McCain 💖🎵

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

I know the song! It’s lovely and tragic.

[@pattiartiste]

@@EmilyOlsonArt Yes, it is.

[@art-alchemy]

I will find the Aqua texture paste..I love using it. I use it with acrylics and oils! So fun thanks!

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Have fun!

[@guyhiebert]

Oh sorry and Thank You for an enjoyable video

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@mandydominguez1902]

Loved this! What a fun way to get creative. Would love to see more with this product. 😊could this be used on regular watercolor paper, or do you risk it cracking with the flexibility of paper?

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

I would definitely stick with a rigid surface like a board or panel. The substrate could crack if bent or warped.

[@jackieconnell7183]

hi Emily ,in your Watercolor Mastery Membership is the REFERENCE PHOTOS included?

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Yes, they are! All tutorial videos in the membership have reference photos and traceable line drawings. 🙌

[@ReneeW59]

You did a fantastic job! This is not an easy painting. I did it in alcohol inks a few years ago. It was a challenge!

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Ooh that would be neat!

[@rebeccaferrier4666]

I just got some to try, so happy to see how you've used it. Can you use it on WC paper? Can't wait to see your next project you rry

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

I would stick with a rigid surface since it could crack when warped or bent. Enjoy!

[@jimorlowski5051]

I wonder if you might redo your earlier 'Durer Rabbit' with these techniques to rocket the fur and vegetation to new levels....

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Whew! That would be cool!

[@blackbearybears]

What do you do when you lose your lines under the paste? Or did that not happen?

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

I just had to draw with paint. :-)

[@mysticriver9420]

♥️👍

[@potterhead9230]

what are the colors on your palette

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

I use a combo of Daniel Smith and Holbein. I’ll need to do a video talking about all my colors…

[@scotland99]

We learn from Van Gogh to be more understanding of those who suffer from mental illness.

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Yes, indeed!

[@guyhiebert]

See that you used the paste for texture did you really need the watercolour sub straight. After watching you add the paste. I get the water colour sub straight is for assisting to paint on a panel that is not meant for water colour.